Ching named to United States 30-man roster

Dynamo captain Brian Ching was formally named to the 30-man provisional roster for the U.S. national team’s World Cup squad Tuesday
afternoon, along with former Dynamo teammates Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark. For Ching, the opportunity to represent his
country in the World Cup is a dream come true.

“It’s something I’ve been
working [on] for the past four years,” noted Ching. “To get a chance to get to go to the World
Cup is every soccer player’s dream. I’m definitely excited about it.”

A month ago, that dream took a
particularly dark turn when Ching suffered an injury that could have easily
derailed his World Cup ambition. As a
result, today’s announcement offered a sense of relief and reward for the hard
work Ching put in during rehab.

“It’s been a little stressful,
I’m not going to lie,” said Ching. “Being injured and having that injury at that time is just bad timing.
The past few weeks, it’s something that I’ve been thinking about quite a bit.
I’m just happy that I’m fit now. I’m healthy. I’m ready to go.”

Ching made
the 2006 World Cup team, but U.S. manager Bruce Arena opted not to use the Dynamo
forward. As a result, Ching has
made it a goal of his to get back to the World Cup and contribute on the
field.

“It’s something that I never really dreamed
about as a kid, because I never really thought it was a possibility,” noted
Ching. “When I got there [in 2006], it
was probably one of the proudest moments of my life.”

“Even though I didn’t get on
the field, just being there, being part of the team, and being part of the
atmosphere was something that I’ll never forget,” continued the Dynamo
forward. “It left a sour taste in my
mouth, not getting on the field the first time. I think I’ve positioned myself
well over the past four years. I have a great opportunity now to hopefully make
an impact this time around.”

To make an impact on the field
at the World Cup, though, Ching - scorer of 11 goals in 44 appearances for the national team - will first have to secure a spot on the final 23-player roster that will travel to South Africa.

“I’m on the 30-man roster, [but]
I still have to make the 23-man [roster],” said Ching. “It’s going to be really tough. I am competing against some of the best
players in the country, and I’m just getting back to being 100 percent fit. A lot of my game has to do with working hard,
and if I am not 100-percent game fit, I am not on top of my game.”

Ching’s
Dynamo teammates were happy for him as well, despite narrowly missing the squad
themselves in some cases. Midfielder Brad Davis was
well aware he was a long shot, despite an impressive performance against Honduras in January, as he suffered an injury in February against El Salvador.

"My goal is still to play
in the World Cup,” said Davis. “Injuries
happen, and it was definitely disappointing when it happened. I can
honestly say I gave it everything. I changed a lot of things, and I
worked my butt off for the opportunity, and I am not going to be disappointed in
myself. Disappointed in the situation? Absolutely."

Davis, though, was happy for his
Dynamo teammate and echoed the thoughts of Houstonians and Dynamo fans everywhere.

“That is what you dream about
growing up wanting to do,” Davis said. “I wish him the best of luck.”

Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or
Comments can be sent via email to dwaincapodice@gmail.com.